NJ man admits guilt after girlfriend’s remains discovered in a discarded refrigerator.

A New Jersey man has entered a guilty plea concerning the tragic death of his girlfriend, whose remains were discovered inside a refrigerator abandoned in Belleplain State Forest shortly before Christmas last year. Christopher Blevins, a 46-year-old resident of the state, initially faced a first-degree murder charge. However, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated manslaughter, as confirmed by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.

In this plea, Blevins admitted to causing the death of Laura Hughes, a 50-year-old mother of two, albeit without the intent or premeditation that would accompany a murder conviction. He is also dealing with a separate charge in Cape May County regarding the desecration of human remains.

Hughes’s body was found on December 22, 2023, in the vast, wooded expanse of Belleplain State Forest, which spans over 21,000 acres across northern Cape May and eastern Cumberland counties. Distinctive personal items, including a unique yoga mat and a necklace, aided authorities in identifying her remains, which were further confirmed by experiencing her distinctive tattoos.

Investigators believe that Hughes was murdered well before her body was discovered. Reports indicate that Blevins transported the refrigerator—containing her body—into the forest in Dennis Township, where it was later found. The remains were reportedly wrapped in a sleeping bag, bound with blue ratchet straps, and concealed under a layer of carpet.

Following the incident, Blevins attempted to evade law enforcement by fleeing to Mexico, crossing the border in Brownsville, Texas. He ultimately surrendered to authorities on August 22, less than a month after his escape. In interviews with law enforcement, Blevins acknowledged being involved in a “violent incident” and suggested he may have been responsible for Hughes’s death.

After returning to the United States, Blevins settled in Delaware, where he found employment. Nonetheless, after Hughes’s remains were discovered, he absconded from work during lunch and did not return, leading authorities to track him to San Diego. He was apprehended and subsequently extradited back to New Jersey.

Blevins is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5, with prosecutors indicating their intention to seek a sentence of no less than 17 years in prison. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the serious issues surrounding domestic violence and the tragic outcomes that can result. As the legal proceedings continue, it serves as a grim reminder of the need for awareness and intervention in cases of domestic abuse.

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